Pluna placed a firm order for seven CRJ900 NextGens plus eight options, becoming the first South American customer for the type, Bombardier announced. The order is worth approximately $261 million at list prices and would increase to some $571 million if all options are exercised. Delivery schedule was not announced.

Rolls-Royce announced that ILFC chose the Trent 1000 to power 40 of the 74 787s it has an order (ATWOnline, June 20). The deal is worth $1.3 billion at list prices and supersedes a previous contract covering 10 aircraft that was announced last summer. Rolls said the order represents the largest single purchase it has received from the lessor and that it now has orders and options for more than 500 Trent 1000s from 15 customers.

There appears to be a price to be paid for popularity, as Boeing is coming under pressure from customers to offer more versions of the 787 with increased range. High on customers' wish lists is more capability for the proposed 787-10, which would necessitate a higher takeoff weight and significant structural changes. Several airlines revealed to ATWOnline at Sunday's rollout event in Seattle that they want the 787-10 to have the same range as the -9 (8,500 nm.) but to carry 50 more passengers.

Air Berlin yesterday said the order for 25 787s placed during the weekend's festivities in Seattle (ATWOnline, July 9) included options and purchase rights for a further 25, making it the largest Dreamliner order from a European airline.

Air Berlin, Qantas, CIT Aerospace and Kuwaiti lessor Alafco helped Boeing celebrate yesterday's 787 unveiling in Seattle while the manufacturer promised further improvements to the record-setting aircraft. Qantas ordered an additional 20 787s Friday and on Saturday the German LCC committed to 25 and Alafco ordered 10. In addition, CIT Aerospace doubled its order to 10 last week. In addition, ATWOnline learned that Qatar Airways is the customer for 30 previously unidentified aircraft.